Ralph Hooks Sykes, 81, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012. A native of Nash County, he was born April 2, 1930, the son of the late Samuel Edmond Sykes and Tempie Vaughan Sykes.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Montie Pearl Sykes; son, Michael Ralph Sykes and wife Paula of Spring Hill, FL; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Jessie Reynolds and husband Eddie of Stedman, NC.

He was preceded in death by his brother, S.E. Sykes, Jr; and two sisters, Tempie Appleton and Louise Weaver.

The family will receive friends from 7:00pm to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home.

A service to remember Ralph will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday morning in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tim Lowry officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.